Pavia waived to make room for Ethan Pocic: The Ravens signed veteran center Pocic to a one-year contract (max $4.5M), prompting the release of the undrafted rookie QB.
Heisman finalist to undrafted free agent: Pavia finished second in Heisman voting in 2025 but went undrafted due to concerns over his height (5'10"), age (24), and off-field decision-making.
Historic Vanderbilt career: Pavia set single-season school records for passing yards (3,539) and passing touchdowns (29), leading the Commodores to their first-ever 10-win season.
Ravens QB room still crowded: Baltimore now carries three quarterbacks—Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, and undrafted UConn product Joe Fagnano.
Potential landing spots: Analysts suggest the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, and Buffalo Bills as ideal fits where Pavia could develop as a third-string or practice-squad QB.
Why this matters: Pavia's release highlights the steep jump from college stardom to the NFL, especially for undersized quarterbacks. Despite elite production and a Heisman-caliber season, physical measurables and roster math ultimately outweighed his on-field résumé.
Diego Pavia's college career was nothing short of remarkable. After transferring to Vanderbilt, he became the face of a program renaissance. In 2025, he completed 70.6% of his passes for 3,539 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions, adding 862 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns on the ground. He led the Commodores to a 10-3 record—the first double-digit-win season in school history.
His accolades included: First-team All-American, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. He also famously led Vanderbilt to an upset win over Alabama in 2024.
Despite the production, NFL scouts flagged several concerns:
Height: Measured at 5'9 7/8" at the Senior Bowl and 5'10 1/8" at the Combine.
Age: 24 years old as a rookie.
Off-field controversy: After finishing runner-up for the Heisman, Pavia posted a photo on Instagram with the caption "F- ALL THE VOTERS" alongside a thumbs-down emoji—though he later apologized.
These factors pushed him out of the draft entirely, making him the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since 2014.
The Ravens signed Pavia shortly after the draft but also brought in UConn's Joe Fagnano as another undrafted QB. With Lamar Jackson entrenched as the starter and Tyler Huntley returning as the veteran backup, the numbers game was always tight. The signing of center Ethan Pocic—a proven veteran needed to solidify the offensive line—was the final domino.
With training camps opening across the league, Pavia faces an uphill climb. However, several teams offer favorable landing spots:
| Team | Why It Fits |
|------|-------------|
| Kansas City Chiefs | Established star QB (Mahomes); offensive-minded coaching staff; strong developmental track record. |
| Los Angeles Rams | Known for QB development under Sean McVay; could stash Pavia on the practice squad. |
| Buffalo Bills | Stable QB room with Josh Allen; opportunity to learn from a top-tier offense. |
The window is tight—preseason games begin in mid-August, and most teams already have their quarterback rooms set for camp.
Why did the Ravens waive Diego Pavia?
The Ravens needed a roster spot for veteran center Ethan Pocic, who signed a one-year deal. With Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, and Joe Fagnano already in the QB room, Pavia became expendable.
Can Diego Pavia sign with another team?
Yes. He is now a free agent and can sign with any NFL team. However, with training camps underway, finding a roster spot will be challenging since most teams have already set their QB rooms.
What were Diego Pavia's college stats?
Over two seasons at Vanderbilt, he threw for 5,832 yards, 49 passing touchdowns, and ran for 18 more. In 2025 alone, he set single-season school records with 3,539 passing yards and 29 TD passes.
Why did Pavia go undrafted despite being a Heisman finalist?
Scouts had concerns about his height (5'10"), age (24), arm talent, and off-field judgment. He became the first Heisman finalist to go undrafted since 2014.
For NFL fans: Pavia's story underscores how college success doesn't guarantee NFL opportunity. Physical measurables and roster composition often outweigh production.
For aspiring athletes: Pavia's journey is a reminder that even Heisman-caliber seasons may not translate to draft capital—versatility and fit matter.
What to watch: If Pavia lands with a QB-developing team like the Chiefs or Rams, he could follow the path of other undersized QBs who thrived in the right system (e.g., Kyler Murray, Bryce Young—though Young was a top pick).
Key takeaway: The Ravens prioritized offensive line depth (Pocic) over a developmental third QB. This move signals confidence in Jackson's health and Huntley's readiness as the backup.
Do you think Diego Pavia will get another shot in the NFL, or is his professional career already over before it began? Which team should take a chance on the Vanderbilt star?
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